BAFTA Fellowship to go to Julie Walters

The actress will receive the honour at the television ceremony at London's Theatre Royal on May 18

Getty

Actress Julie Walters is set to receive the BAFTA Fellowship at this year's television awards ceremony at London's Theatre Royal on May 18.

The award, which has previously been handed to Michael Palin, Richard Curtis, David Jason, Bruce Forsyth and David Frost is given for "an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, television or games." This year's ceremony will be hosted by Graham Norton and broadcast on BBC One.

Speaking about Walters, BAFTA chief executive Amanda Berry said: "Julie Walters is one the most talented individuals to grace our screens. She has the innate ability to draw the viewer in across any genre, captivating and entertaining with every performance. Julie is thoroughly deserving of the Fellowship, the highest honour the Academy can bestow."

Walters herself added: "I am honored to receive this prestigious award and extremely shocked. I've worked with some brilliant people over the years and have been very fortunate to have had the opportunities to work on such a variety of projects." Walters has appeared in shows such as Victoria Wood As Seen On TV, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole and Dinnerladies.

Game Of Thrones, Girls and Steve Coogan were among the winners at this last year's BAFTA television awards, held at London's Royal Festival Hall. Game Of Thrones beat Homeland and The London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony to the Radio Times Audience Award, the only trophy voted for by members of the public, but was pipped to the International prize by Lena Dunham's Girls.

Coogan won the Male Comedy Performance award for his latest outing as Alan Partridge in Welcome To The Places Of My Life, while Olivia Colman took home two acting trophies: Female Comedy Performance for Twenty Twelve and Supporting Actress for Accused.